Do physicians’ racial biases affect clinical decision making?

Research has demonstrated that automatic, and sometimes unconscious, racial bias can affect how we make decisions about others. But can it influence something as important as a medical decision? read more...

What affects parenting in high-risk communities?

We know that living in high-risk communities is stressful for parents and youth. How does stress, including exposure to violence, affect parents’ management of their adolescents? read more...

How can we predict future rates of tobacco use?

Longitudinal population-based surveys of tobacco use can depict current prevalence levels as well as transitions over time, but how can they be used to forecast those in the future? read more...

Can coping skills help the bereaved bend but not break?

How do college students cope when a loved one dies? Bereavement is difficult at any time in life, but is coping with bereavement different for college undergraduates? read more...

Why are VCU researchers dumpster diving?

If school cafeterias force children to take fruits and vegetables on their lunch trays, will students eat them? Will they like them more over time when fruits and vegetables are served regularly? read more...

Health Psychology

The field of health psychology is concerned with understanding how biological, psychological, behavioral, cultural, and social contextual factors influence health and illness. The health psychology program provides students with the theoretical background and both basic and applied research skills needed to study the psychological, social, cultural, and behavioral bases of health and illness. As part of the VCU Department of Psychology, students study all major areas of theory and research in the field, but their specialized focus is on health and illness processes. The Health Psychology program is a research-oriented rather than clinical training program. Graduates of this program are awarded the Ph.D. in Psychology, as approved by the State Council of Higher Education of Virginia in 2008. Students earn a Master of Science degree as part of their training, but not as a terminal master’s degree.

How to Apply

General information about graduate study at VCU can be obtained from the VCU Graduate School web site. Application for graduate study in psychology with an emphasis in health psychology should be initiated online from the VCU Graduate School admissions page. Please note that there is not a separate application for the program or department. Deadline for applications is Jan. 10.